Lauren + Trevor: Santa Barbara Destination Wedding at Villa Verano, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography November 4, 2015

Lauren + Trevor got married at the Villa Verano, a magical estate in the hills of Santa Barbara, with vistas and lush gardens that go on forever. Their destination wedding brought friends and family together from across the globe, gathering together with the relaxed, jubilant feel of a group vacation, but with everybody dressed in their best threads, to celebrate the love of these two warmhearted, brilliant souls.

It was a gorgeous, almost tropical, autumn day, and began with the gents circling up for a little meditation in the sun. The gals stayed cool indoors, soaking up the A.C, and even jumped into a fabulous clawfoot bathtub. The guys soon ducked indoors, hanging in the game room (beware of pool sharks!), and then reclined in the movie screening room donning sundry masks to kick the tribalistic guy-bonding up a notch. Lauren + Trevor had the best bridal party backing them up!

After the boutonnières were pinned, and the jewelry clasped, Trevor waited at the bottom of the estate's grand staircase for the bride to appear. Lauren walked down the stairs, with a grace that brings to mind Audrey Hepburn - like, how in movies, actresses seem to just float down. Then they just fell into each others' arms with laughter. There were definitely tears in their eyes as well. It was such a sweet moment, so full of emotion and joy. They linked arms to enjoy the rest of the day together, and we took photos around the property, as they made their way down through the descending paths to the site of their ceremony.

Lauren + Trevor were so relaxed and present during the whole wedding day. We could tell that they were able to enjoy every moment and just melt into all the love that their friends and family surrounded them with. Their wedding ceremony was filled with so many beautiful moments, including delightful readings and poems and so much live music, performed by close friends, aunties and uncles.

We're so happy we got to spend this day with these two sweeties and document their wonderful celebration. Up next we'll be posting photos from their poolside cocktail hour and reception at sunset, so stay tuned.

Congratulations Lauren + Trevor! We're thrilled you are married!!

Santa Barbara Destination Wedding at Villa Verano. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Villa Verano

Planner: Wedding Kate

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Flowers: Santa Barbara Style

Makeup: Pretty Please Beauty

Hair: Laura Rocha

Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza

Bridal Shoes: Valentino

Suit: Armani

Groom's Shoes: Prada

Band: Trio Plus

DJ: Zach Seely

Transportation: Jump on the School Bus

Caterer: Pure Joy

Linens: La Tavola

Mariam + Sherif: San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography October 23, 2015

Mariam + Sherif's intimate wedding celebration continued on the 40th floor of the Loews Regency Hotel in San Francisco, with a dove release! It was so sweet and romantic. The couple held the birds, who mate for life, and while they nuzzled beaks, the newlyweds gazed into each others' eyes. Then, they were off! These birds, humanely raised and train, enjoyed a cruising flight of about 60 miles an hour, back to their lush life on a vineyard in Napa, where they get to feast on fallen grapes. Dancing followed, with live music by the saxophonist Justin Ward, Youtube sensation and star. The skydeck of the Loews Regency provided the perfect background - the newlweds were dancing on the top of the world! A delicious slice of red velvet wedding cake, followed. The newlyweds couldn't stop beaming at each other with such brilliance - the light in one another's lives.

Congratulations Mariam + Sherif! We're so happy for you love birds!

San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2015 — San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

Wedding Dove Release. San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2015 — Wedding Dove Release. San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

Wedding Dove Release from the skydeck. San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2015 — Wedding Dove Release from the skydeck. San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2015

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Loews Regency Hotel San Francisco

Wedding Coordinator: Allie Ware

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Flowers: Urban Botanica

Musician: Justin Ward

Cake: SusieCakes

Doves: Celebrations in Flight

Mariam + Sherif: San Francisco Wedding Photography at Loews Regency Hotel, Pt. 1

Bowerbird Photography October 21, 2015

It's hard to beat the views on the sky deck of the Loews Regency Hotel in San Francisco, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the soaring Transamerica Pyramid. Place two super-in-love newlyweds in the foreground and not only do they have keys to each others' hearts, it feels as if they carry the keys to the City! Mariam + Sherif had an intimate wedding celebration, with select friends and family, some of who traveled all the way from Egypt to celebrate their new life together. It's as if the couple had the City all to themselves, on the private deck, and the newlyweds enjoyed a beautiful meal together, with impeccable service by the Loews Regency, sharing laughs and hugs with their family.

Check back soon for photos of their dove release (!!!!!), dancing and cake cutting; meanwhile, enjoy the view from Loews Regency's 40th floor!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Loews Regency Hotel San Francisco

Wedding Coordinator: Allie Ware

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Flowers: Urban Botanica

Musician: Justin Ward

Cake: SusieCakes

Doves: Celebrations in Flight

Bowerbird Photography on the new Global Fund for Women website!

Bowerbird Photography October 14, 2015

Last year we spent a month in the Middle East with the Global Fund for Women, photographing their grantees across the region. Today GFW launched a new website and we're thrilled that so many of our images from the trip are featured! Be sure to check it out and the work of this incredible organization. https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Lauren + Steve: San Francisco Wedding Photography at the Westin St. Francis, Pt. 2

Bowerbird Photography October 2, 2015

After saying "I do," Lauren + Steve were so excited to get their party started! They whipped and nae nea'd their way into their wedding reception as Mrs. & Mr. Murcia in the elegant setting of Victor's Place on the 32nd, or Imperial Floor, of the historic Westin St. Francis. Touching and hilarious toasts shortly followed. Then a taste of cake... and DANCING!!!

A highlight of the evening was when Lauren + Steve suddenly reappeared on the dance floor, Lauren sporting a super sexy salsa dress and heels instead of her wedding dress. The newlyweds surprised their guests with a dazzling salsa routine to Enrique Iglesias smash hit "Bailando." Everyone gathered around them in a circle and went crazy with excitement! They were incredible!

So happy for you both, Lauren + Steve! To a lifetime of happiness, adventures and perfect salsa moves together!